Target mounting system and method of use

ABSTRACT

A target mounting system that includes a target having opposing tangs arranged near a bottom of the target. A cylindrical pivot disk is mounted on each tang. The pivot disk/tang combinations are arranged in the recesses of the pivot disk retaining portions of opposing pivot disk bracket assemblies that are mounted on a target channel of a target system, thereby mounting the target on said target channel. When the target is mounted on the target channel between the first pivot disk bracket assembly and second pivot disk bracket assembly, the target is rotatable between a target ready position and a target down position.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to the field of live-fire targets. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to systems for mounting live-fire targets and using them.

Falling targets have been used in connection with live-fire shooting ranges for many decades. For example, typical target plates used in falling plate rack systems have a shaft, either full width or partial width, welded to it that allows the target to be rotated from a vertical orientation to a roughly horizontal orientation. Welding the shaft to the target tends to weaken the target resulting in target cracking, more frequent breaking and a shorter life, thereby requiring more frequent replacement. Moreover, targets with a welded shaft cost more than a target that does not include a welded shaft because of the additional manufacturing steps required fabricate such targets.

Targets may also be attached through mechanical provisions or fabrication of the steel to form an axle the shaft rides within. Similarly, a pepper popper rifle target pivots near the bottom of the target via a bracket and shaft assembly attached near the bottom of the target. These types of systems have several disadvantages. For example, such targets are more costly because of the additional fabrication steps needed to make a fully functional target.

Another typical prior art system employs a vertical arrangement flat plate silhouette, where the target mounting “tab” is mounted in a hole that is significantly larger than the “tab.” Such systems experience galling between the tab and mounting hole causing damage to the mating hole surface. This, in turn, results in the target moving out of alignment preventing the system from properly registering a bullet strike.

Other prior art target systems include, for example and without limitation, an Iron Maiden rifle target. This type of target system uses a static silhouette with a “kill zone” cutout in front of the pivoting target plate. When shot, the rear pivoting target lifts a white indicator plate up into the kill zone cut out window. This lets the shooter know it was a hit. A stop on the target frame prevents the impact on the pivoting target from rotating past top dead center when shot. Gravity resets the pivoting target in the forward position.

The systems and methods disclosed herein solve the problems associated with prior art target mounting systems discussed above and as would be known to one of ordinary skill by providing smooth falling targets, with long-life expectancy. Minimal intervention is required to sustain and maintain the systems disclosed herein. Individual components may be replaced as needed through an uncomplicated process, by individuals with no special skills using only standard/common tools. Moreover, the system of the present disclosure allows the target plate itself to be produced as a flat, singular item with no secondary processing required to use it. The pivot disc mounting system of the present disclosure does not require the target plate to be attached to a shaft by welding or other mechanical means, thereby addressing several of the shortcomings of prior art target mounting systems.

SUMMARY

An embodiment of the present disclosure may have a target mounting system that includes a target having a top, a bottom, a front, a back, a first side and a second side, a first tang extending outwardly from the first side near the bottom. The embodiment may also include a first cylindrical pivot disk defining a tang receiver shaped and arranged for receiving the first tang and a first pivot disk bracket assembly. The first pivot disk bracket assembly may include a pivot disk retaining portion and a securing portion. The securing portion is arranged and constructed for mounting the first pivot disk bracket assembly to a target channel.

The pivot disk retaining portion includes a cylindrical recess arranged for receiving the cylindrical pivot disk, such that the pivot disk is rotatable within the cylindrical recess. When the tang is arranged in the pivot disk tang receiver and the pivot disk is arranged in the cylindrical recess, the pivot disk and tang are rotatable.

An embodiment of the present disclosure includes a second tang extending outwardly from the second side of the target near the bottom, the second tang arranged opposite the first tang. An embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a second cylindrical pivot disk defining a tang receiver shaped and arranged for receiving the second tang. Also included are a second pivot disk bracket assembly having a pivot disk retaining portion and a securing portion for mounting the second pivot disk bracket assembly to the target channel. The pivot disk retaining portion includes a cylindrical recess arranged for receiving the second cylindrical pivot disk such that the second pivot disk is rotatable within the cylindrical recess.

When the first and second pivot disks are mounted on the first and second tangs and the tangs/pivot disks are rotatably mounted in the respective cylindrical recesses of the first and second pivot disk retaining portions of the first and second pivot disk bracket assemblies, and the first and second pivot disk bracket assemblies that are mounted on the target channel, the target is rotatable between a target ready position and a target down position.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a non-limiting perspective view of a plate rack target system of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a non-limiting perspective view according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a non-limiting view according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a non-limiting view according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a non-limiting view according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6A is a non-limiting view according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6B is a non-limiting view according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and described in the following written specification. Even though the present disclosure focuses on embodiments of a falling plate rack system, it is understood that no limitation to the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended and that the pivot disk target mounting system disclosed herein is adaptable to any prior art system as would be understood by one of ordinary skill. It is further understood that the present disclosure includes any alterations and modifications to the illustrated embodiments and includes further applications of the principles disclosed herein as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plate rack target system 1 having a target mounting system 10. The system having at least one target 20 and preferably multiple targets 20. The target will include a top 30, bottom 40, front 50 and back 60. The top 30 of target 20 may be round in shape as shown in the figures, but other shapes are within the scope of this disclosure, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Bottom 40 of target 20 may be rectangular in shape, but other shapes are within the scope of this disclosure as would be understood by one of ordinary skill.

Target 20 further includes a first side 70 having a first tang 80 arranged near the bottom 40 of target 20. The first tang 80 may be rectangular in shape and extends outwardly from first side 70 below top 30. Target 20 also includes a second side 90 arranged opposite the first side 70. The second side 90 includes a second tang 100 arranged opposite of the first tang 80. The second tang 100 extends outwardly from the second side 90 of target 20 and may also be rectangular in shape. Note, the shape of the first and second tangs 80/100 are not limited to a rectangular shape, as one of ordinary skill understands that other shapes fall within the scope of this disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 4-6A, the plate rack target mounting system 10 of the present disclosure further includes a first cylindrical pivot disk 110 defining a first tang receiver 120 shaped and arranged for tightly receiving first tang 80. The first tang receiver 120 is a through hole centered on a face 122 of the first pivot disk 110. An embodiment of the present disclosure includes a second cylindrical pivot disk 130 defining a second tang receiver 140 shaped and arranged in the center of a face 132 of second pivot disk 130 for tightly receiving second tang 100. Essentially, the first and second tang receivers 120,140 will be shaped to be complementary for receiving their respective first and second tangs 80,100 of target 20. For example, and without limitation, a rectangular tang will require a rectangular tang receiver sized to snuggly accept the tang.

An embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first pivot disk bracket assembly 150 having a first pivot disk retaining portion 160 and a first securing portion 170 for mounting the first pivot disk bracket assembly 150 to a target channel 180. The first pivot disk retaining portion 160 includes a first cylindrical recess 190 for receiving the first pivot disk 110. The first recess 190 is arranged and constructed such that the first pivot disk 110 may rotate freely within the first recess. The first recess 190 may be constructed such that the recess 190 does not extend through the first pivot disk retaining portion 160. In this “closed” embodiment, the first recess 190 includes a back wall 200. In embodiments where the first recess 190 extends through the first retaining portion 160 of first pivot disk bracket assembly 150, a shield 210 may be attached to the first pivot disk retaining portion 160 to serve as the back wall 200 for the first recess 190.

An embodiment of the present disclosure further includes a second pivot disk bracket assembly 220 having a second pivot disk retaining portion 230 and a second securing portion 240 for mounting the second pivot disk bracket assembly 220 to target channel 180. The second pivot disk retaining portion 230 includes a second cylindrical recess 250 for receiving the second pivot disk 130. The second recess 250 is arranged and constructed such that the second pivot disk 130 may rotate freely within the second recess. The second recess 250 may be constructed such that the it does not extend through the second pivot disk retaining portion 230. In this “closed” embodiment, the second recess 250 includes a back wall 260. In embodiments where the second recess 250 extends through the second retaining portion 230 of second pivot disk bracket assembly 220, a second shield 270 may be attached to the second pivot disk retaining portion 230 to serve as the back wall 260 for the second recess 250.

Now referring to FIGS. 1-3, an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a target return system comprising a shaft 300 arranged below the target channel 180. The shaft 300 passes through an opening 305 arranged through a target bar assembly 310. Opening 305 is constructed to allow shaft 300 to rotate freely within said opening. Target bar assembly 310 may be securely attached to a bottom 182 of target channel 180.

An embodiment of the present disclosure may include a second target bar assembly 315 having a second target bar assembly opening 317 constructed to allow shaft 300 to pass through and rotate within said opening. Second target bar assembly 315 is spaced apart from target bar assembly 310. Target bar assembly 310, opening 305, second target bar assembly 315 and its opening 317 are arranged such that as shaft 300 passed through opening 305 and opening 317, shaft 300 is supported below and parallel to target channel 180.

A reset arm 320 may include a first section 330 having a proximal end 340 and a second section 350 arranged approximately perpendicular to first section 330. Second section 350 includes a distal end 360. Reset arm 320 is attached to shaft 300 near the proximal end 340 via a reset arm hub 370 that is securely mounted on shaft 300 and is also securely attached to reset arm 320 near the reset arm proximal end 340.

The system and device of the present disclosure may be used in a manner as would be known to a person of ordinary skill in the art of target systems and shooting ranges. For example, a plate rack target system 1 having the target mounting system 10 of the present disclosure may be located for use anywhere appropriate and safe for discharge of firearms with live ammunition at target 20. In this illustrative example, it is decided that one of the targets 20 mounted on plate rack target system 1 via an embodiment of target mounting system 10 should be replaced with a new target 20.

In use, and as shown in FIGS. 1-6A target 20 is retained on plate rack target system 1 between the first pivot disk bracket assembly 150 and the second pivot disk bracket assembly 220. As discussed above the first pivot disk 110 includes a first tang receiver 120. First tang receiver 120 is slid onto the first tang 80 of target 20, thus mounting first pivot disk 110 on the first side 70 of target 20. First pivot disk is rotatably mounted in the first recess 190 of first pivot disk retaining portion 160 of first pivot disk bracket assembly 150. First securing portion 170 of first pivot disk bracket assembly 150 is removably secured to target channel 180 via a bolt and nut arrangement. For example, a bolt is passed through a mounting hole 172 located on the first securing portion 170 and a complementary mounting hole in the target channel. A complimentary nut is then screwed onto the bolt and tightened against the bottom 182 of the target channel 180. A washer, such as a lock washer, may also be arranged on the bolt between the nut and the bottom of the target channel. Once the nut is tightened against the bottom 182 of target channel 180, the first side 70 of target 20 is securely and rotatably mounted onto target channel 180 of plate rack target system 1.

In like fashion, the second side 90 of target 20 is mounted to target channel 180 of plate rack target system 1. The second pivot disk 130 includes a second tang receiver 140. Second tang receiver 140 is slid onto the second tang 100 of target 20, thus mounting second pivot disk 130 on the second side 90 of target 20. Second pivot disk 130 is rotatably mounted in the second recess 250 of second pivot disk retaining portion 230 of second pivot disk bracket assembly 220. Second securing portion 240 of second pivot disk bracket assembly 220 is removably secured to target channel 180 via a bolt and nut arrangement. For example, a bolt is passed through a mounting hole 242 located on the second securing portion 240 and a complementary mounting hole in the target channel 180. A nut is then screwed onto the bolt and tightened against the bottom 182 of the target channel 180. A washer, such as a lock washer, may also be arranged on the bolt between the nut and the bottom of the target channel. Once the nut is tightened against the bottom 182 of target channel 180, the second side 90 of target 20 is securely and rotatably mounted onto target channel 180 of plate rack target system 1. It is understood that the first bracket assembly 150 and second bracket assembly 220 can be secured to target channel 180 in any suitable manner as would be understood by one of ordinary skill and that any such method falls within the scope of this disclosure.

Once the target 20 is rotatably mounted between the first pivot disk bracket assembly 150 and second pivot disk bracket assembly 220 on target channel 180, the target is ready for use. Upon repeated strikes to the target 20 over time, it may be necessary to replace the target 20. Replacing the target is easily accomplished with common hand tools and requires no special training. Replacement of target 20 may start with removal of first pivot disk bracket assembly 150 or second pivot disk bracket assembly 220. For example, using a common hand tool, such as a wrench or a ratchet/socket combination sized to mate with the nut securing the first pivot disk bracket assembly 150, said nut is removed from the bolt and the bolt is removed from the first securing portion 170. First pivot disk bracket assembly and target 20 may be slide away and apart from the still mounted second pivot disk bracket assembly 220. Second pivot disk 130 may remain mounted on second tang 100 or may remain in second cylindrical recess 250 of second pivot disk retaining portion 230.

Once the damaged target is separated from target channel 180, as described above, a new target 20 may be installed. Second pivot disk 130 is mounted on the second tang 100 by sliding second tang 100 of new target 20 into second tang receiver 140 of second pivot disk 130. In like fashion, first pivot disk 110 is mounted on the first tang 80 by sliding first tang 80 of new target 20 into first tang receiver 120 of first pivot disk 110. Note, the order that the pivot disks are mounted on the tangs can be reversed.

Once the pivot disks are mounted on the respective tangs of target 20, the second tang 100 and pivot disk 130 may be mounted in second cylindrical recess 250 of second pivot disk bracket assembly 220, which is still securely mounted on target channel 180. While maintaining the connection of the second tang 100/second pivot disk 130 with the second pivot disk bracket assembly 220, first tang 80 and first pivot disk 110 are slid into first cylindrical recess 190 of first pivot disk retaining portion 160 of first pivot disk bracket assembly 150, thus positioning the target 20 between the first pivot disk bracket assembly 150 and the second pivot disk bracket assembly 220 on target channel 180.

Next, the bolt is passed through the mounting hole 172 located on the first securing portion 170 and the complementary mounting hole in the target channel. The nut is then screwed onto the bolt and tightened against the bottom 182 of the target channel 180, thus securing the first bracket assembly 150 to the target channel 180. The target is now once again ready for target practice. Note, one of ordinary skill would understand that damaged target 20 may be replaced by removing second pivot disk bracket assembly 220 and reinstalling it in the same manner as the first pivot disk bracket assembly 150, as described above, while leaving first pivot disk target assembly 150 mounted to target channel 180. In other embodiments, both the first pivot disk bracket assembly 150 and the second pivot disk bracket assembly 220 may be removed when replacing a damaged target.

When the plate rack target system 1 is ready for use, target 20 is positioned perpendicular or near perpendicular relative to the target channel 180. This position is referred to as a “target ready” position 380. When target 20 is in the target ready position 380, the first section 330 of reset arm 320 extends in a downward direction from shaft 300 and second section 350 of reset arm 320 extends roughly perpendicularly in an upward direction from first section 330. When the target 20 is in the target ready position 380, distal end 360 of second section 350 is spaced apart and does not contact the back 60 of target 20.

When target 20 is struck by a bullet, the force of the bullet causes target 20 to rotate to a non-perpendicular position relative to the target channel 180. As shown in FIG. 3, this non-perpendicular position of target 20 may be referred to as a “target down” position 390. When the target 20 is in the target down position 380, the back 60 of target 20 is near or in contact with distal end 360 of the second section 350 of reset arm 320.

To return target 20 to the target ready position 380, shaft 300 is rotated such that distal end 360 of the second section 350 of reset arm 320 pushes against the back 60 of target 20 until target 20 reaches the target ready position 380. Once target 20 reaches the target ready position 380, the rotation of shaft 300 may be reversed such that the distal end 360 of the second section 350 of reset arm 320 ceases contact with the back 60 of target 20 and returns to the position held when the target was in the target down position 390.

Because the plate rack target system of the present disclosure may include multiple targets having the target mounting system 10 described herein, a person of ordinary skill understands that simultaneously returning multiple targets from their respective target down positions 390 to their respective target ready positions 380 is within the intended scope of this disclosure.

It should be understood, that relative positional terms such as, “upper,” “lower,” “above,” “below,” “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom” and the like, are with reference to the normal operational position of the device disclosed herein with respect to its normal intended use in connection with a plate rack target assembly. Such positional terms should not be considered otherwise limiting.

The present disclosure has been described in an illustrative manner. It is to be understood that the terminology that has been employed herein is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than word of limitation. While there have been described herein what are considered to be exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, other modifications of the disclosure shall be apparent to those skilled in the art from the teachings herein and, it is, therefore, desired to be secured in the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the disclosure. 

I claim:
 1. A target mounting system, comprising: a target having a top, a bottom, a front, a back, a first side and a second side; a tang extending outwardly from the first side near the bottom; a cylindrical pivot disk defining a tang receiver shaped and arranged for receiving the tang; and a pivot disk bracket assembly having a pivot disk retaining portion and a securing portion for mounting the pivot disk bracket assembly to a target channel, the pivot disk retaining portion having a cylindrical recess arranged for receiving the cylindrical pivot disk such that the pivot disk is rotatable within the cylindrical recess; wherein, when the tang is arranged in the pivot disk tang receiver and the pivot disk is arranged in the cylindrical recess, the tang and pivot disk are rotatable within the cylindrical recess.
 2. The target mounting system of claim 1 further comprising; a second tang extending outwardly from the second side of the target near the bottom, the second tang arranged opposite the tang; a second cylindrical pivot disk defining a tang receiver shaped and arranged for receiving the second tang; and a second pivot disk bracket assembly having a pivot disk retaining portion and a securing portion for mounting the second pivot disk bracket assembly to the target channel, the pivot disk retaining portion having a cylindrical recess arranged for receiving the second cylindrical pivot disk such that the pivot disk is rotatable within the cylindrical recess; wherein, when the second tang is arranged in the second pivot disk tang receiver, the second cylindrical pivot disk is arranged in the cylindrical recess of the second pivot disk bracket assembly and the target front is in a vertical position, the target will rotate when the front is impacted by a bullet.
 3. The target mounting system of claim 1 wherein the tang is rectangular shaped and the tang receptacle has a complementary shape that surrounds the tang.
 4. The target mounting system of claim 1, wherein the pivot disk retaining recess comprises a closed back.
 5. The target mounting system of claim 1, wherein the pivot disk bracket assembly further comprises a shield attached to the pivot disk retaining portion, the shield comprising a closed back for the pivot disk retaining recess.
 6. The target mounting system of claim 1, wherein the pivot disk retaining portion is arranged generally perpendicular to the target channel when the securing portion is attached to the target channel.
 7. A target mounting system, comprising: a target having a top, a bottom, a front, a back, a first side and a second side; a first tang extending outwardly from the first side near the bottom; a second tang extending outwardly from the second side near the bottom, the second tang arranged opposite the first tang; a first cylindrical pivot disk defining a tang receiver shaped and arranged for receiving the first tang; a second cylindrical pivot disk defining a tang receiver shaped and arranged for receiving the second tang; a first pivot disk bracket assembly having a pivot disk retaining portion and a securing portion for mounting the first pivot disk bracket assembly to a target channel, the pivot disk retaining portion having a cylindrical recess arranged for receiving the first cylindrical pivot disk such that the first pivot disk is rotatable within the cylindrical recess; a second pivot disk bracket assembly having a pivot disk retaining portion and a securing portion for mounting the second pivot disk bracket assembly to the target channel, the pivot disk retaining portion having a cylindrical recess arranged for receiving the second cylindrical pivot disk such that the second pivot disk is rotatable within the cylindrical recess; wherein, when the first and second tangs are arranged in their respective pivot disk tang receivers and the first and second cylindrical pivot disks are arranged in the respective cylindrical recesses of the first and second pivot disk bracket assemblies, and the first and second pivot disk bracket assemblies are secured to the target channel, the target is mounted on the target channel and will rotate when the front is impacted by a bullet.
 8. The target mounting system of claim 7, wherein when the target is mounted on the target channel in a target ready position and is struck by a ballistic round, the target will freely rotate to a target down position, said target being rotatable back to the target ready position.
 9. The target mounting system of claim 7, wherein each cylindrical recess includes a closed back.
 10. The target mounting system of claim 7, wherein the first and second tangs are rectangular shaped and the first and second pivot disk tang receivers have a complementary shape, the first and second tang receivers constructed to surround the respective first and second tangs.
 11. The target mounting system of claim 8, further comprising: a shaft arranged below the target channel; a target bar assembly attached to the shaft, the target bar assembly mounted to the target channel; and a reset arm extending from the shaft; wherein when the target is in the target down position, the reset arm may be used to rotate the target to the target ready position.
 12. A method of using a target mounting system, the steps comprising: providing a target mounting system comprising a target having a top, a bottom, a front, a back, a first side and a second side; a tang extending outwardly from the first side near the bottom; a pivot disk defining a tang receiver shaped and arranged for receiving the tang; and a pivot disk bracket assembly having a pivot disk retaining portion and a securing portion for mounting the pivot disk bracket assembly to a target channel, the pivot disk retaining portion having a recess arranged for receiving the pivot disk such that the pivot disk is rotatable within the recess; arranging the target mounting system for a target practice session; arranging the target to a target ready position; striking the front of the target with a ballistic round causing the target to move to a target down position; and rotating the target from the target down position to the target ready position.
 13. The method of claim 12 wherein the target mounting system further comprises a second tang extending outwardly from the second side of the target near the bottom, the second tang arranged opposite the tang, a second pivot disk defining a second tang receiver shaped and arranged for receiving the second tang, and a second pivot disk bracket assembly having a second pivot disk retaining portion and a second securing portion for mounting the second pivot disk bracket assembly to the target channel, the second pivot disk retaining portion having a second recess arranged for receiving the second pivot disk such that the second pivot disk is rotatable within the second recess.
 14. The method of claim 13 further comprising the steps of: removing the first pivot disk bracket assembly from the target channel: separating the target from the removed first pivot disk bracket assembly and from the second pivot disk bracket assembly that is still mounted on the target channel; disengaging any pivot disks still connected to the target tangs; attaching the pivot disks on a first and second tang of a new target; inserting one of the new target tangs with its attached pivot disk into the cylindrical recess of the second pivot disk retaining portion of the second pivot disk bracket assembly that is still mounted on the target channel; sliding the removed first pivot disk bracket assembly first pivot disk retaining portion cylindrical recess onto the first tang of the new target; mounting the first pivot disk bracket assembly onto the target channel such that the new target is secured between the first pivot disk bracket assembly and the second pivot disk bracket assembly and the new target is rotatable between the target ready position and the target down position. 